What the Baltimore Orioles Should Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

As the publisher of Inside the Orioles, I wanted to extend a huge heart-felt "thank you" to each and every reader of ours. We launched Inside the Orioles on Oct. 24 and since then we have been proud to call this space home.

Our success comes from you, our reader, so thank you for tuning in and continually coming back! It means the world to my staff and I.

As promised, here are the thing the Baltimore Orioles should be thankful for this year.

Mike Elias

Seems pretty simple, but Elias won the American League Executive of the Year for a reason. Elias has helped build the premier farm system in baseball all while making the right promotions at the right time. Which led the Orioles to the next thing they should be thankful for...

A 101-Win Season

It is always tough going out on the postseason, especially when the expectations were so high heading in. Maybe it helps that the team who ousted Baltimore were the eventual World Series champions?

No, okay, we tried.

Still, a 101 wins in 2023 is a massive stepping stone and a heckuva welcome party for the Orioles. It was the best season they have put together in over 40 years. Meaningful and exciting baseball was played all the way into October. It's hard not to be thankful for that and the experience it brought this incredibly young team.

Adley Rutschman

How can you not be thankful for this stud? In his second season, Rutschman put together a year that any catcher could only hope of. The catcher slashed .277/.374/.435 with 20 home runs and has blossomed into a fantastic clubhouse leader.

Just awesome stuff from such a young man. He is among the brightest of spots on this roster.

Brandon Hyde

It's not everyday you can find a manager who can weather a rebuild and then navigate that same team to a postseason berth after winning 101 games. It's also harder to see a front office stand by and be loyal to a manager.

Looking at Chris Woodward of the Texas Rangers or David Ross of the Chicago Cubs. Both were fired just before the teams really took off (presumably in the Cubs' case). It speaks volumes as to how the front office and the players views Hyde.

It's not everyday you can find a manager as special as him.

Published Nov 23, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.

Home/News